The Sanderson Sisters still got it in 'Hocus Pocus 2' - a softer sequel to Disney’s Halloween cult classic

Hocus Pocus 2 / Walt Disney Studios

How do you follow up on a fan favorite movie nearly thirty years later? It seems tricky, but the folks at Disney+ are giving it a try with Hocus Pocus 2.

The original was a box office flop in 1993, but thanks to cable TV airings, Hocus Pocus became a beloved Halloween tradition. Its popularity grew over time, and with the launch of Disney+, perhaps the timing was right for a long-awaited sequel. As a big fan of Hocus Pocus, I was excited to see the trailers leading up to this highly-anticipated premiere. I was also cautiously optimistic about what to expect from the film.

Hocus Pocus / Walt Disney Studios

In Hocus Pocus 2, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy return as the iconic Sanderson Sisters. This time, the trio of witches get a backstory, revealing just how magical their bond has always been. Fast forward to present-day, and Winifred, Mary and Sarah are brought back to life by a Salem teen with witchy powers of her own. 

Hocus Pocus 2 hits the same beats as Hocus Pocus, complete with musical numbers and gags about modern-day technology. Still, there’s a fresh story to be told, and it’s not a complete copy of the original. What’s exactly the same is how our leading ladies play the characters we know and love. It’s impressive and a bit trippy to watch Midler, Parker and Najimy slip back into their roles with such ease. In some scenes, their mannerisms are spot on, sparking plenty of nostalgia for this 90’s/Y2K kid. ​

Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, Hocus Pocus 2 / Walt Disney Studios

Fans can expect a much lighter tone now, which falls in line with Disney’s recent trend of giving villains a layer of humanity. While I appreciate the message about sisterhood, I don’t want to have empathy for the Sanderson Sisters. As fun as they are, these witches are villains who suck the lives out of children to keep themselves young. I want to fear them and love to hate them at the same time. 

The original Hocus Pocus is darker and spookier, even for a kid-friendly film. They don’t quite go there in Hocus Pocus 2, which is a missed opportunity to create something equally as epic. The new story has potential, but it never leans in far enough to the element of witchcraft. Modern teen witches versus the Sanderson Sisters could have been a home run. Instead, they play it safe and keep things wholesome. 

Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, Hocus Pocus 2 / Walt Disney Studios

The sequel relies heavily on nostalgia and the original cast to make for an enjoyable made-for-steaming-service movie. It doesn’t feel theatrical, but it’s stronger than the average TV flick or Disney+ original. The new cast is strong too, led by Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl) and featuring the talents of Joel Hale (Veep) and Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso). 

This movie getting made speaks volumes to the level of fandom Hocus Pocus truly has. I’m sure some fans will be disappointed, but it’s tough to recreate the magic of something so beloved and iconic. I view the original film as lightning in a bottle. I kept realistic expectations about Hocus Pocus 2, which helped me enjoy the movie instead of comparing it to the first. Overall, it’s harmless and won’t ruin anyone’s childhood. The new story may not live up to its own potential, but it sure is fun - and funny! Hocus Pocus 2 is now streaming on Disney+.

Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Hocus Pocus 2 / Walt Disney Studios